Hop on the Pony Party Bus

It seems that entrepreneurs are getting younger and younger these days. In Freeport, 17-year-old Hayley Holzhacker started her own business at the tender age of 12. When the high-school senior came up with the idea for her Pony Party Bus, it was clear to everyone that her lifelong love of horses was becoming an overriding passion.

Moving to South Freeport with her family two years ago, she decided it was the perfect place for her to continue the business she had already run successfully in Connecticut. Accompanied by her mother at the wheel of the trailer, Hayley, her two miniature horses and their Amish-style pink horse buggy, will arrive at your door and make your child’s humdrum birthday party something to remember. Hayley can accommodate up to three children or two adults at a time on a cart ride around the neighborhood. Guests will also be able to dress up Angel and Toast, the pint-sized ponies who stand 25 inches and 31 inches, respectively, in fun costumes, have pictures taken with them and learn various horse-grooming techniques.

The usual fee for 90 minutes of horsing around is based on location and number of guests. A standard fee is $275 plus gas, although Hayley promises that “there’s a special deal for Freeport residents.”

Says Hayley, “It’s the best way I could think of to show my happiness around my horses. It’s my passion, and it always makes me smile.” Besides birthday parties, the trio will liven up day care centers, nursing homes and backyard barbecues. The Pony Party Bus operates all year except during the snowy months. Learn more at 838-0272, or on the web at http://ponypartybus.weebly.com.

Get smart at the Freeport Library

Bird lovers and beachgoers alike won’t want to miss author, musician, conservationist and National Book Award winner Phillip Hoose, who will speak about his book, “Moonbird: A Year on the Wind with the Great Survivor B95.” In case you’re wondering, “B95” is a robin-sized shorebird, more specifically a red knot of the subspecies rufa. Learn all about his plight at the Freeport Community Library, Wednesday, July 31, at 6:30 p.m.

In another informative library talk, author David Bidler will be speaking about his book, “Paleo in Maine: A Local Resource Guide for the Modern Hunter Gatherer.” Paleo is a style of eating that follows what ancient humans ate, focusing on meat, seafood, vegetables, fruits and nuts. He will share his knowledge of local resources and opportunities for both beginners and advanced Paleo enthusiasts. Learn about physical training options, where to buy specialty foods, and more tips, on Monday, Aug. 5, at 6:30 p.m.

Music fills the night

The Winslow Park Summer Concert Series features the music of Clem Bru?le?e and The Cara-Mels on Thursday, Aug. 1, at 6:30 p.m. Bring your friends and family, along with blankets, lawn chairs and a picnic, and enjoy the music. (Don’t forget the bug spray.) Free parking, no pets permitted. Freeport residents $2; non-residents $3; season pass holders and campers, no charge

Pre-teen girls running the distance

Casco Bay YMCA will be offering two after-school programs this fall: The Girls on the Run team for grades 3, 4 and 5 will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4-5:30 p.m. The Girls on Track team for grades 6, 7 and 8 will meet on Wednesdays and Fridays from 4-5:30 p.m. Online registration for both teams will open at noon on August 1. The program fee is $129 and scholarships are available.

Girls on the Run is a 10-week after school program that promotes self-esteem in pre-teen girls. The curriculum includes bi-weekly instruction on making healthy decisions, forming positive relationships and working as a team. At the end of the program in November, participants will choose a community service project and run in a celebratory 5K race. To register or for more information, visit www.girlsontherunmaine.org.

You’re invited: Ribbon-cutting ceremonies

Join the celebration marking the official opening of Casco Bay Fibers on Thursday, Aug. 1, at 10 a.m. Located at 15 Main St. in downtown Freeport, the former site of The Beadin’ Path. The festivities will be hosted by the Freeport Chamber of Commerce Director Sande Updegraph and will include light refreshments. Door prizes and goody bags will be awarded all weekend long.

The shop, open for business since June, specializes in yarns, fabric, spinning, felting and beading supplies. For owner Karen Minott, who is assisted this summer by her daughter Heather, it’s the realization of a 10-year dream. Born and raised in Maine, Karen lived for many years in western Massachusetts where she learned the business as manager of another yarn shop. She and her husband happily returned to the area in May, and Karen got started right away on preparations for her own shop. Casco Bay Fibers will offer a variety of classes starting in mid-September, and based on the positive reaction in the community since opening her doors, she is confident she’ll have many students. She looks forward to creating a community of hobbyists in knitting, sewing, quilting and jewelry making. To learn more, including hours of operation, call 865-5429 or visit the website at www.CascoBayFibers.com.

The Chamber of Commerce invites everyone to a second ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday, Aug. 5, at 10 a.m. to mark the opening of the new Carhartt retail store located inside Winter People at the Big Indian. Take a tour, have a bite to eat and meet the proud owners: Dale, Carol, Pat, and Clay Bouton.125 US Route 1, Freeport.

Angel, hitched to her pink cart, is one of two miniature ponies owned by Hayley Holzhacker, 17, who operates a business called Pony Party Bus.Casco Bay Fibers shop owner Karen Minott and her daughter, Heather, will be on hand for the opening Thursday, Aug. 1, at 10 a.m.